Frame thickness on 1/2 Ton vs. 3/4 Ton?

[kilomanjaro]

I just got a 1/2 ton 4x4 from randy, I got to looking at the frame and it is the same thickness as my buddies 3/4 ton 4x4(as well as all other 3/4 tons I have seen). I know that it is thicker than 1/2 ton pickups, blazers, and suburbans, are 1/2 ton 4x4 pickups thicker than other 1/2 tons. Also the rear driveshaft is about 4" in diameter like a 3/4 ton 4x4, is that normal for a 1/2 ton 4x4? I haven't checked the VIN on the frame to see if it matches the title and VIN plate. Anyhow just looking for someone's input here, I am kind of stumped, other than the possiblity of someone swapping a 3/4 ton 4x4 frame under a 1/2 ton 4x4 pickup I have no answer---thanks
john

[Gee_Emm]

Thickness as in the thickness of the metal. There was a big debate here a year or so ago about that. I think the conclusion was reached that 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton frames are the same thickness. My 3/4 ton frame isnt thicker then a 1/2 ton frame.

[kilomanjaro]

Well I don't know about 1/2 ton pickups(this is the first I have ever had), but I know that 3/4 ton pickups are thicker than blazers and 1/2 ton suburbans, and the at 3/4 ton suburban frames are thicker than 1/2 ton suburban frames.
john

[sbrban]

My 71 3/4 ton sub frame is same thickness as my 72 1/2 ton sub-I'm pretty sure it's the same as my 71 4x4 and 681/2 tonframes as well-I'd need to double check-tommorrow!

[sbrban]

only difference on 3/4 to 1/2 frames that I found was in the trailing arms and front control arms

[kilomanjaro]

Just to be clear we are talking about the thickness of the metal used to make the frame, not an actual demension on the frame right? I was almost positive about the 1/2 ton sub being thinner.
john

[sbrban]

Thickness was the same.

[68 Suburban]

I remember looking in the data books and they gave the 3/4 ton frame the same thickness as the 1/2 ton.

[Rod]

Those big 4" drive shaft for the rear are what are on my 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton 4x4's. Only difference in the truck or sub era I have noticed is that some early 67 and maybe some 68's had a two piece rear drive shaft also. I might have even come across a 69 with a 2 piece rear shaft if I remember right.

[Blue_71]

my 3/4 ton 4x4 frame is thicker then a parts truck 70 1/2 ton 4x2 frame i have... i cut the frame horns off the parts truck so i could put a bumper on my K20 and when i put them against it it was noticably thinner

[jcueckert13]

i thought the frames where the same but the difference was in the suspension

[sbrban]

I've only dealt with the suburbans and in that respect,yes, the frames are identical with the exception of the suspension.

[Yukon Jack]

I can't speak to the thickness issue, but the restoration pack from GM says there is a difference in the strength. I can't recall the specific term, it was something like sectional modulous.